Written by Chillie Falls, April 25, 2023
I will be in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica next week, (May 4, 2023). Since I now have the option of using my Scootaround scooter, or a light weight power wheel chair, I have looked at excursions far more than on my previous cruises where I have found little or no accessible tours. Please understand I am in no way endorsing any of those listed as I have not done any of them. But if you are going there and looking for yourself, maybe my findings will give you a leg up in finding an excursion in Costa Rica.
Your ship will dock at one of two piers at the terminal in Puerto Limón. You may have to take great care when disembarking your cruise ship. There is a reason that surfers love Costa Rica so much, and that’s because of the very busy wave action. There is a strong swell in this port, which means the gangway could be very steep and moving as you try to get on and off of your cruise ship. If you are going on a shore excursion, you will roll to the end of the pier and meet your tour guide at the bus or other vehicle. If you choose to explore the town, you don’t need to take a taxi or a bus as there is a street with souvenir shops right across from the terminal area. Wheelchair taxis are not available here. If you can transfer into a regular taxi, red colored taxis are available at the pier. The level of proficiency in English varies between taxi drivers. Definitely confirm the price to your destination before departing.
Tortuguero National Park
Spend the day discovering the luscious landscapes of Tortuguero National Park. Explore this vibrant rainforest, see native wildlife in its natural habitat, learn about the local ecosystem, and enjoy a delicious Costa Rican breakfast and lunch. $195.00
This is a 12 hour tour that is rated wheel chair accessible. There is no information on boarding the boat or where one leaves a chair or scooter and how secure that location is.
Aquiares Estate
Aquiares Estate is the largest Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee farm in Costa Rica. Family owned since its founding, the farm is known for the quality of the high-altitude, shade-grown Arabica Coffee it produces. Along with its distinctive coffee, a century of history has also helped to shape the farm into a model of ecological sustainability and social responsibility. Come to Aquiares and learn all about coffee in this educational tour of the community and its practices. Learn about how coffee is farmed from seed to harvest, and discover what makes the Aquiares Estate so special. See how coffee is roasted and its flavours are tested in a cupping session and sample the complex flavors of high-grade coffee. This tour can be taken at 9:00 AM in the morning or 2:00 PM in the afternoon and lasts 2 hours. $35.00
Tour is wheelchair accessible. Please advise at the time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required.
Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica Aerial Tram Tour
Explore every level of the dense Costa Rican rainforest from the ground to the treetops. Your unique Aerial Tram Tour lets you live first hand all the secrets the forest holds, while you fly above the treetops and experience magnificent views of the Braulio Carrillo National Park. From this vantage point,you will have an immersive nature experience as well as a glorious treetop flight over the canopy of the rainforest. Whilst on this tour you will encounter the longest and only guided tram tour in the country. The 1-hour gondola ride includes a guided natural walk on paved nature trails and a visit to the beautiful and specialized butterfly garden where you’ll be able to learn a lot among their colorful wings. You can also walk through the beautiful orchid garden, which is comprised of orchids rescued from fallen tree trunks. Afterwards, enjoy a calm walk into a terrarium where you’ll see many interesting amphibian and reptile species. $70.00
I am interested in this one but still need to know the procedures for transferring to the tram, leaving the chair or scooter and transfer from ship to tour. One previous guest said, ” I got on with no problem. I just sat in the entryway in my chair once boarded. It was amazing. I was very happy that it was accessible.”
Stay tuned for my post on whatever I decide to do in Puerto Limon.